‘I just can't figure out Alden. He acts cute sometimes, and totally strange at other times. Does he have a split personality?’ Olivia asked herself after she got into the cab. She kept thinking about possible reasons that could make Alden stab Bradford, but couldn't find one. “Ma, we are here.”The driver's voice made her snap out of her thoughts. She paid the driver before she got out of the car and headed into the building she once lived in with the man she loved. Reminded of the days she spent in the mansion, tears welled up in her eyes. It was just a few days since she was away, but it felt like a few years. “Damn! I shouldn't be feeling this way.”She jerked off her thoughts and wiped her eyes before she walked closer to the building. She knocked faintly but got no response. Just as she was about to leave, the door opened, and a young man walked out to meet her. “Why are you knocking on my door like that?” Olivia's eyes blinked rapidly at his words. It became obvious to he
“Bradford, do you want to kill her? Is this the favor I asked of you?” Layla's sudden utterance made Bradford let go of Olivia. He raised his gaze to look at Layla before he replied, “I was only stopping her from ruining more things for us! The shares, money, our lives! If she is not alive, we won't have a reason to live this way.”Olivia, who finally regained herself, coughed slowly. It was slow, but she finally began to breathe normally. She thought she was going to die today, but an angel was sent to save her. Though, she didn't expect Layla to be that angel. “I didn't ask you to do any of this! I only wanted you to direct her to the right part. No matter what she does, she is still my cousin, and your ex-wife!” Layla reminded him. Olivia, who didn't want to interrupt their conversation or put herself in an award moment like she did earlier, snuck out of his apartment. She waited for a while to board a cab heading to Annabella's apartment, but couldn't find one until a car park
Atlas ignored Alden's question before he stretched over his phone to Grandma Katherine. “Grandma, you can decide if Alden still deserves to be the CEO of Crawford Group after watching this video.”Alden gritted his teeth as he stared at his grandma, who was carried away with the video she was watching. He knew it was over for him if this video influenced her mindset. Nothing mattered to Grandma Katherine aside from public opinions and company growth. “Is he still capable? What is a capable man without an amazing woman by his side, grandma?” Atlas asked with a sly smile. “Sooner or later, she will influence him and destroy our family by ruining our reputable image,” he added. Grandma Katherine let out a deep sigh at the thought of everything Atlas just said. Maybe now is the time to let Alden prove his capability. “Alden, what your brother said isn't totally wrong. I can't let you make the same mistake your mom did years ago,” she said with tears clustered in her eyes. She hated to
Grandma Katherine walked up to Alden and Atlas, who were too immersed in their conversation to notice her. “Atlas, didn't I warn you several times to stop hurting your brother with the past incident?” She asked, pretending not to hear their conversation. “I am sorry, grandma. He started it,” Alden replied and left with a frown. Left with Alden, she decided to ask him: “Alden, how did you know about Atlas not being your parent's son?”“Uh?” Alden's lips parted, lost for words at his grandma's question. “Alden, there is no need to lie to me. I heard everything you said earlier—”“Grandma, I am sorry. I have an important guest to attend to. He has been waiting for me.” He was quick to cut her off before she could complete her statement.She hesitated before she let him go. “Sure. We will continue our conversation when you get back.”Alden left without saying a word. He got into his car and drove off to his company. It took him two hours before he arrived at the company. He made sur
“No, I don't. Actually, there is nothing about you that I can never like.” Alden's response made Olivia's heart sink. He was the first person to say such words to her. During her high school days, countless boys had asked her out. Not even her first boyfriend could reject her after she confessed her feelings. “What exactly can't you like about me?” She asked, sounding defeated. “Your eyes? The way you talk? Your inconsistent behavior? The fact that I can't figure you out? If I decide to list what I dislike about you, I will end up using a whole day to do so,” he replied with a cunning smile.She bit her lip at his words, unsure whether to be sad or happy. She was supposed to be happy that their personal feelings wouldn't get in the way of achieving their goal. “What if you end up liking me? No, what if I end up liking you?” She asked curiously. He smiled faintly at her words, giving her the facial expression, 'I just remembered something'. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he paused, his h
“Olivia, are you okay?”Alden's voice made her snap out of her thoughts. Unable to face the harsh moment she badly wanted to escape from, she ran out. Alden, who didn't understand what was going on and needed an explanation, followed her. “Olivia, don't you think I need an explanation?” He asked, making her halt. “I am sorry, I owe you no explanation, Alden,” with those words said, she walked out. Alden ruffled his hair, trying to understand what just happened, but couldn't figure it out. He stood there for some minutes before he walked back into the living room. He walked up to his brother before he asked, “Aziel, how did you know Olivia, and why did you call her by that name?”“She was my ex, and everyone knew her as Gabriella during our high school days,” Aziel replied with a sly smile. “Gabriella?” He muttered in a questioning tone, wondering why she changed her name. “I can never forget how she used to look. She is beautiful, inconsistent, and caring,” Aziel said, trying t
“Olivia,” Alden called out after knocking on her door several times. He kept calling her name nonstop until she opened the door and came out. “Olivia, can I come in?” He asked, smiling. “Sure. I also have something to tell you,” she replied, letting him in. Olivia did not allow him to sit down before she began. “Aziel raped me when we were dating. He took advantage of my innocence and love.”“So?” Alden's lips parted. “I am terminating the contract. I can't go on with this marriage. I can't act like your wife when I know Aziel is your brother!” She replied sadly. “Are you terminating the contract because you are trying not to remember what happened or because you are afraid of him?” Alden asked, staring at her. She hesitated before she replied, “Both. I don't want to have anything to do with Aziel or the people around him.”“But I am not him.”She bit her lips, holding back the tears that threatened to pour down. “It doesn't matter. I just want to end everything,” she said, her
“What are you going to do?” Dante began questioning. “What if the main major shareholder ends up being our enemy? What if we end up losing the company to a total stranger?”“That will never happen. Dad, let's be positive. This isn't the time to cry over spilled milk,” Layla replied calmly, as if his words weren't worth worrying about. Dante let go of his suitcase before he walked up to Layla, who was still confident in a moment like this. “Then when is the time?” He asked angrily. “You ruin my big plan, yet you have the audacity to act as if nothing happened?”Layla ruffled her hair frustratingly at his words. “What big plan? Come to think of it, have you ever had a big plan? You were always 'waiting for the right time'!”Unable to contain the anger burning through him, Dante slapped Layla, bruising her lips. “The BOD members are already on my side, and I already have a reason to push Olivia out of the company, but you ruined everything!” Dante yelled at her before he stormed out o
“What the hell are you doing here?” Atlas's voice finally broke the silence in the hall.Alden chuckled before he walked up to Atlas. His usual smile on, he asked calmly. “Is that a question I should expect my brother to ask me after escaping death?”“Or are you not happy that I am here, Atlas?” His question made everyone gasp.“Haha, I was just surprised that you came back. Grandma and I had looked for you everywhere, but couldn't find you. We thought you were kidnapped and killed,” Atlas said, sounding worried even when his gaze stated otherwise.“I was actually kidnapped. Thanks to that, I was able to live—”“That doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that you are back. I believe everyone would be over the moon to hear this good news, especially your wife,” Atlas was quick to interrupt Alden.Hearing his words, his face turned pale. The thought of how he stressed and kept making Olivia worried made him hate himself.Not only does she pretend not to know his whereabouts after kid
Today is the day. The day I get what is rightfully mine,” Atlas said, his voice barely audible.Layla, who slept next to him, raised her gaze to meet his eyes, her hands firmly holding the blanket to cover her naked body.“Congratulations, Mr. Kendrick,” she muttered, a faint smile on her face.Atlas chuckled at her words before leaning closer to kiss her forehead. If it weren't for her help, he wouldn't have dreamed of this day.“Just Atlas,” he corrected her. “I can't continue to hear the woman I share the same bed with call me 'Mr. Kendrick'. Also, thank you. If it wasn't for you—”Layla placed her index finger on his lips, silencing him, followed by a soft whisper. “Shhh. Just focus on this day.”This is the reason he was always happy when he was with her. When others wanted to take from him, didn't believe in him, it was the opposite for her. Layla always helped him and believed in him. She was the only one who trusted him without him trying.“I should go take my bath,” Atlas mut
“Yes, I am,” Alden replied, his voice barely audible.Olivia hurried out to look for Davison. “Mr. Davison, please contact the doctor. My husband is awake.”“Okay, ma,” Mr. Davison replied.She left after giving her orders. The fact that Alden woke up felt like a dream to her. She returned to Alden's room.She walked up to him with a bright smile on her face and tears clustered in her eyes. “Alden, thank you for waking up. I am sorry you have to go through this because of me.”“I should be the one being sorry, Olivia,” Alden forced out those words.“No need—”“Ma, if you don't mind, I want to examine him,” the doctor's voice cut her off.She nodded without uttering a word. She walked to the corner of the room, giving him the chance to examine Alden.After a thorough examination, the doctor turned to face Olivia. “I think he needs rest. Don't stress him too much. Aside from that, he is fine.”“Thank you so much, doctor. I don't know how to reward you,” she said with tears streaming dow
‘Alden, I know you would be happy to find out that I finally have my revenge on the man who raped me. The sweetest revenge I ever had,’ she said inwardly with a bright smile after hearing the judge's verdict.Thanks to other victims who were at the court as witnesses, Aziel was sentenced to ten years in prison for rape, illegal activities, drug, and attempted murder.“Thank you, Ms. Clara,” her face brightened with a smile as she appreciated her lawyer who made this possible.“You are welcome,” Clara replied.Olivia smiled faintly before heading out of the court. She can't wait to share this news with Alden. Even though he is still in a coma, Olivia always reports to him whatever happens to her daily. She believes he could hear her, even though she knew that was just all her imagination.About to get into her car, Jane rushed up to her, making her pause. She turned to face Jane before speaking, “If you are here because of the guilt you are feeling, just go. I already forgave you. Afte
“I came to visit the doctor. I am sorry for disturbing you both,” Olivia replied without fear in her eyes.“Well, here he is,” Atlas said, his gaze fixated on the doctor who was equally wondering what was going on in his mind just like Olivia.Olivia chuckled at Atlas's words before entering the office. She walked up to the doctor before saying, “Thank you for saving my husband. I brought you pasta I bought from a nearby restaurant, but unfortunately, it slipped off my hand.”“Haha, no need to bother about that. I am glad I was able to save him,” the doctor muttered, still focused on Atlas.He knew if he makes any mistake, his reputation and family will be gone. Not only is he a bad son who was behind his mother's death, but because of him, his wife and sons would end up dying. He has to act perfectly without any mistakes.“Oh, doctor, I have a proposal to go through. I have to submit it before I go to bed,” Olivia, who couldn't find any reasonable excuse to give, lied.Even though it
It's been days since Alden was unconscious. Olivia kept blaming herself, while Jane kept coming to the hospital, hoping Olivia would forgive her.“Alden, it's been a week. If you don't wake up, I can't help but replace you with Atlas. I am sorry,” Grandma Katherine said, holding Alden's hand.The day she was informed Alden had an accident, she thought it was a nightmare. She found it hard to believe until this moment.“Good day, Madam Crawford,” the doctor greeted after he walked into the hospital to check up on Alden.“Doctor, are you sure he will wake up?” Grandma Katherine asked, sounding like all hope is lost.“Don't worry, Madam, we will make sure he wakes up. Though I can't assure. But the longest coma patient in this hospital was two years. So be rest assured,” the doctor reassured her before checking on Alden.Grandma Katherine heaved a sigh before she stood up. She walked up to Olivia, who acted like she didn't exist.“Thank you for being by his side, Olivia,” she said softly
Thank you for saving me. I owe you one,” Olivia said with a faint smile after drinking the tea that calmed her. The tea was prepared by Dario, his acclaimed special recipe.Dario chuckled before speaking, “There is no need to thank me. If I can't save my brother's wife, or rather, the woman my brother loves, why am I alive?”“No need to exaggerate. You sure know how to sweet-talk people,” Olivia teased.“Haha, I am not exaggerating. I know your marriage was a fake one. The marriage certificate was a bit different from the authentic one,” Dario replied calmly. “Also, when we were in Italy, Alden told me he loves and misses you a lot.”Before Olivia could laugh at Dario's words and tag it as a joke, her phone rang. She hesitated before picking up.“Are you Mrs. Kendrick?”“Yes, I am. Olivia Kendrick, Alden's wife,” she replied hastily, wondering what the call might be about.“Your husband had an accident and has been rushed to Alfred Hospital. The doctor needs your approval before he ca
Aziel's fingers trailed down her left nipple, right under her bra, his hand pinning her down.“Let me go, you monster! I know nothing about the shit you just said!” Knowing Jane couldn't betray her since there isn't any reason for that, Olivia yelled, trying her best to push him off her.Seeing how adamant Olivia was, he decided to reveal the truth to her. “Newsflash; I used Jane to get to you. I told her to do this, and the foolish lady did exactly so. It must be true, Love makes you foolish.”“She didn't even know the words I told her to tell you were true. Please do tell her to come visit me, there are clients asking for the video,” he added shamelessly.If there was anything Olivia wished right now, it should be the freedom to move her hands. She knew if she could, she could slap Aziel so hard that her fingers would create a red scar on his face.“You are a beast!” Olivia cried out.Aziel burst into laughter, actually enjoying the misery Olivia was in. “No one is saving you now!”
A Few Days Later…Alden, who had been away to avoid thinking about Olivia or confusing her, finally returned.He headed to her room. At the entrance, he knocked faintly on the door until a faint voice echoed, 'I am coming.'“Alden?” Olivia, who thought she wouldn't see his face until their deal ended, called out in a questioning tone.“I came for the document I forgot,” he informed her, avoiding eye contact.“You came here for a document or because you miss me? Also, aren't you going to tell me about your inauguration? Or do you think I won't be aware of that?” Olivia asked with a faint smile.Alden did not bother replying to her question before he left for his room. He got the document he needed and left the house without caring about Olivia, who was staring at him with sadness reflected in her eyes.‘Why am I acting like a fool? This sh!t is going to end today,’ Olivia said inwardly as she watched him leave.She walked into her room, took her bath, and dressed up. After she was done